Bongiwe Madela's musical odyssey: from church choir to chart-topping star
Image: Supplied
In a remarkable era for gospel music, female artists in South Africa are leaving an indelible mark that echoes far beyond the church walls.
Their powerful ballads and uplifting worship anthems are not merely filling airwaves; they are shaping the contemporary soundscape of faith-based music as never before.
These talented women are breaking barriers, leading worship, headlining tours and creating a renewed sense of connection for audiences across the nation.
One shining star in this vibrant scene is Bongiwe Madela, a gifted singer and songwriter hailing from Katlehong, Gauteng.
Madela's journey began with a Music Performance degree, where she cultivated her musical talents as a backing vocalist for several prominent South African artists, including Dr Tumi and Collen Maluleke.
Her skills ultimately found a larger platform when she joined Joyous Celebration, an internationally acclaimed gospel group, three years ago.
Her transition from supporting roles to a leading figure has been marked by determination and a lifelong dream of creating her own music.
'It has always been a dream of mine to create my own music and I've always had the gift of songwriting,' she recalled. 'It was just a matter of time.'
Madela's rise in the industry was further marked by her powerful representation of Africa on BET's "Sunday Best" in 2019.
She shared the stage with luminaries like VaShawn Mitchell, Kirk Franklin and Kelly Price, showcasing her talent to an international audience.
Since then, her discography has expanded, with multiple songs now available on various digital platforms, capturing the hearts of listeners with her unique sound and meaningful lyrics.
A significant milestone in her career came in June 2024, when Madela held her first live concert at the House of Treasures Ministries in Johannesburg.
The concert was not just a performance but an authentic expression of faith that translated into a subsequent release of songs recorded during the event.
One standout track, 'Konke Kimi', was launched as a single on September 20, further solidifying her position as a formidable artist.
Bongiwe Madela is not just another artist in the gospel genre; she is a pioneering voice that appeals to both traditional gospel aficionados and a younger generation.
Image: 98eight
In a conversation with "Independent Media Lifestyle", Madela reflected on her inspirations, citing gospel legends like Rebecca Malope and Ntokozo Mbambo as significant influences.
'The amazing women who've made a great impact in the South African gospel music industry have moulded me into the musician I am today,' she asserted passionately.
With an impressive streaming record across digital platforms, Madela is not just another artist in the gospel genre; she is a pioneering voice that appeals to both traditional gospel aficionados and a younger generation seeking a deeper spiritual connection through music.
Her latest EP, 'The Walk', has been met with acclaim, and her live performances exude both skill and anointing, making her one of the most exciting new talents to emerge in recent years.
'The Walk' is an extension of her previous work, 'The Wait', which explored themes of faith and patience.
'This one is about walking with the Lord,' she explained, indicative of her deep spiritual reflection and commitment to her faith.
Madela's recent singles, including 'Konke Kimi' and 'Umelusi', have set the stage for this new project.
When asked about the inspiration behind her latest works, she revealed, 'My walk with Christ. Choosing to follow Him and surrendering to His will.'
As her influence grows, Madela has earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2025 INGOMA Awards (Independent National Gospel Music Awards), an honour that took her by surprise and filled her with excitement.
'It means growth,' she said, reflecting on what winning would signify, especially as a burgeoning woman in the industry. 'It would mean all things are possible if you believe and put in the work.'
The industry is indeed evolving, though Madela noted that this transformation is not solely about advancing women in the music industry.
'The industry is changing totally and opening for everyone,' she clarified. As she continues to carve her niche, she expressed a desire for collaboration, mentioning her dream to work with Ntokozo Mbambo, an artist she admires deeply.
Looking ahead, Madela aspires for her music to reach global audiences, determined to establish herself as a worldwide gospel artist.
'For 2025, I hope to grow more as a child of God and deepen my knowledge of Him,' she shared, grounded yet ambitious.
Her journey is one of unwavering faith, passion and an impactful legacy that will inspire future generations in the Gospel music sphere.
∎ 'The Walk' EP is a confident, well-balanced journey through worship and reflection. Standouts like 'Busa' and 'Ngisebenzise' bring dynamic and emotional peaks, while 'uMusa' and 'Thando' showcase vulnerability and grace. The production is clean and consistent, though a couple of tracks could benefit from deeper musical layering.
Rating: 4/5
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